Saturday, February 28, 2009
Ashes to the Empty Tomb
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THE BAPTISM OF JESUS As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him. Matthew 3:16
One of the greatest events to occur in relationship to the Jordan River was the baptism of Jesus. The gospel accounts tell us that a dove descended from heaven and hovered over the water as Jesus was baptized.
Many Westerners recognize the dove’s presence as a symbol of God’s presence and approval during the baptism of his Son. In Jesus’ day, people probably saw another level of imagery as well; they recognized the striking similarities between Jesus baptism and the creation of the world, and that in Jesus there would be a NEW Israel in Him: (The dove was a symbol for Israel like the eagle is for the United States)
The Water
• Before creation, the water was formless and represented chaos. Gen. 1:2
• During baptism, Jesus descended into the water that represented chaos and death to the ancient world. Matthew 3:16
• Before creation, the water was formless and represented chaos. Gen. 1:2
• During baptism, Jesus descended into the water that represented chaos and death to the ancient world. Matthew 3:16
The Spirit
• At creation, the Spirit hovered and moved over the water. Gen. 1:2
• At Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit of God—represented by the dove—descended upon Jesus. Matthew 3:16.
• At creation, the Spirit hovered and moved over the water. Gen. 1:2
• At Jesus’ baptism, the Spirit of God—represented by the dove—descended upon Jesus. Matthew 3:16.
God’s Approval
• After creating the world, God was pleased with the creation. Gen. 1:31
• After Jesus’ baptism, God said that he was pleased with his Son, Jesus. Matthew 3:17
• After creating the world, God was pleased with the creation. Gen. 1:31
• After Jesus’ baptism, God said that he was pleased with his Son, Jesus. Matthew 3:17
A New Creation
• Out of the void, God made a new world that had never existed before. Gen. 1:3-30
• As Jesus came out of the water, he ushered in a new world order where love and restoration would prevail over evil. Matthew 11:2-6
• Out of the void, God made a new world that had never existed before. Gen. 1:3-30
• As Jesus came out of the water, he ushered in a new world order where love and restoration would prevail over evil. Matthew 11:2-6
Temptation
• Satan tempted Adam and Eve soon after creation. Gen. 3:1-7
• Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness immediately followed his baptism. Matthew 4:1-11
As they gathered around the Jordan River shore, those watching Jesus’ baptism must have been overwhelmed by the picture God was creating. By mirroring the creation account during Jesus’ baptism, God revealed Jesus’ calling: He was God’s Son, the Messiah, and he was sent to usher in a new order.
• Satan tempted Adam and Eve soon after creation. Gen. 3:1-7
• Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness immediately followed his baptism. Matthew 4:1-11
As they gathered around the Jordan River shore, those watching Jesus’ baptism must have been overwhelmed by the picture God was creating. By mirroring the creation account during Jesus’ baptism, God revealed Jesus’ calling: He was God’s Son, the Messiah, and he was sent to usher in a new order.
Prayer
Heavenly father, fill me with your Spirit so that I may mirror the life of your Son. Forgive me when I fail, restore me when I fall, empower me when I stand, so I can carry out your will for my life today. Amen
Posted by Tim Hetzner at Friday, February 27. 2009 
Categories: THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
Tags: Ashes to the Empty Tomb
Categories: THE BAPTISM OF JESUS
Tags: Ashes to the Empty Tomb
Tim,
Great devotional. I love the paralels. Pastor Ron will "dig" this one since this is along theorder of the Matthew thing he did last summer.
I was also thinking about the dove after the flood and Noah sent the dove out to see what the "new world" was like. I can see how that ties in to all this, too.
I am planning to be at the 6 a.m. class Monday. See you then.
Kathy
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